Dedham Teen Helps Find Home for Homeless Family

A Dedham teenager recently helped in finding a new apartment for a homeless family in Boston. 

Melinda Edie, a student at Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, spearheaded a volunteer project known with the Charlestown-based nonprofit Heading Home's "Up & Out" program.

Through the program, which allows volunteers to decorate and furnish a new apartment to a family's personal liking, Edie and Wellesley resident Sarah Kavoogian joined more than 10 friends and family helped a single mother and her daughter move into the Dorchester apartment last month.

"This was such a rewarding experience," Edie said. "It was so amazing that we could take furniture that no one wanted anymore and make an entire home for a family. This is something that I hope to continue for years to come. I twas so cool to welcome Ginna and Ester to their new home. The expressions on their faces and the gratitude they showed is something I will never forget." 

"My daughter and I are so happy in our new home," said Ginna, the mother and newfound occupant of the apartment. "It's been a long road, but now we have hope for a fresh start."

For more information, visit www.headinghomeinc.org.